PUBLIC ACCEPTABILTY FOR INTERNATIONAL SEA SHIPMENTS OF HIGH LEVEL WASTE AND MOX FUEL - Presentation

Over the past two decades, nuclear fuel cycle companies have successfully delivered on their business commitments despite heightened public scrutiny of recycling, waste management and the associated international transportation activities and campaigns by opponent groups. One critical factor in this success has been the way in which fuel cycle companies have addressed public acceptance. The companies have taken responsibility for actively promoting public understanding of the benefits of the fuel cycle and the safety and physical protection regimes that are in place. By putting the business in its proper context, and by being prepared to disseminate information in littoral countries, the companies have been able to provide reassurance and perspective. They have also maintained a flexible approach by constantly developing communications tools and messages that have demystified the industry and cast it as, in many ways, like many others that attract little or no public controversy. Through this public acceptance activity, the companies have reached out to different audiences in more than a dozen nations, including government officials, regulatory bodies, academics, associated businesses and journalists. The companies recognize that this commitment to providing information must be on-going to ensure that the most positive perceptions of fuel cycle operations are maintained.